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"Unknown part" message after an iPhone repair: should you worry?

What Apple's Parts and Service History message means and what it doesn't.

Oct 14, 2026 · 4 min read

Since iOS 15.2, iPhones keep a Parts and Service History. If a screen, battery or camera was replaced with a part that Apple can't verify, the phone may show 'Unknown Part' in Settings and a notice on the lock screen for a few days.

What it means: the part didn't come through Apple's own repair process. It doesn't mean the part is bad, and it doesn't mean your phone is broken.

What it doesn't do: it doesn't stop the phone working. Calls, apps, the camera and updates all work normally.

What you might notice: with a non-genuine battery, iPhone won't show the Battery Health percentage. With a non-genuine screen, True Tone may be off. We'll tell you before the repair if your model has either of these.

To see it yourself: open Settings, tap General, then About, and scroll to Parts and Service History. It only shows up if a part has been replaced.

Why not always use genuine Apple parts? Genuine parts cost much more and on many models aren't available to independent shops in time for a same-day repair. We offer the best-quality part we can get for your model and show you the options and prices up front.

If it matters to you, ask us before the repair and we'll explain exactly what message, if any, your phone will show.